CAUGHT IN THE EBBING TIDE

A REMINISCENCE OF RAXTOX CLIFFS

The mightiest Titan's stroke could not withstand

An ebbing tide like this. The se swirls denote

How wind and tide conspire. I can but float

To the open sea and strike no more for land.

Farewell, brown cliffs, farewell, beloved sand

Her feet have pressed—farewell, dear little boat

Where Gelert,[Footnote] calmly sitting on my coat,

Unconscious of my peril, gazes bland!

All dangers grip me save the deadliest, fear:

Yet these air-pictures of the past that glide—

The se death-mirages o'er the heaving tide—

Showing two lovers in an Alcove clear,

Will break my heart. I see them and I hear

As there they sit at morning, side by side.

[Footnote: A famous swimming dog.]